Written By: Ola Alzahabi
The first hour after birth—known as the Golden Hour—is not a test for the mother to pass. It is a biological dance, where both mother and baby are already perfectly equipped to play their roles.
Baby Leads the Way
Newborns are born with Primitive Neonatal Reflexes (PNRs) such as rooting, sucking, stepping, and grasping. These instinctive behaviors help them crawl to the breast and self-latch. It is the creation of Allah and His perfect design.
The Mother’s Role: Facilitation
The mother’s job is not to teach but to provide a supportive environment: skin-to-skin warmth, her scent, and a calm presence.
Synchronicity, Not Instruction
Breastfeeding begins in the harmony between the baby’s instincts and the mother’s hormones (oxytocin, prolactin) and nurturing touch. It is a dialogue, not a monologue.
Breastfeeding: A Right, Not a Privilege
In Islam, breastfeeding is regarded as a right of the child and a provision guaranteed by God. Scientific evidence supports this perspective: research by Colson et al. (2008) and Milinco et al. (2008) shows that breastfeeding is the biological norm, while alternatives (formula, animal milk) introduce unnecessary risks.
Conclusion
The Golden Hour is not about performance but about trust. Babies are born knowing how to feed, and mothers are designed to support them. The AMANI approach reassures mothers: Trust your body. Trust your baby. This is your natural beginning.
What resonated with me most is the idea that the mother is not teaching, but holding space . Simply offering warmth, stillness, and presence. And the baby is not helpless; the baby is leading, guided by instinct and the mercy of their Creator. When we interfere too quickly, separating mother and baby, rushing, or adding stress, we interrupt what Allah already set in motion.
No wonder they call colostrum liquid gold
Breastfeeding is exclusively designed by Allah as a method to feed our babies. It surely is the best method and has a lot of benefits to mum and baby mashaAllah. 🥰
Not about performance, but trust. I love that, lovely post.
SubhanALLAH, if we let everything go without intervention we will be great